Neural network learning and collaboration apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for learning and training in neural network-based devices. In one implementation, the devices each comprise multiple spiking neurons, configured to process sensory input. In one approach, alternate heterosynaptic plasticity mechanisms are used to enhance learning and field diversity within the devices. The selection of alternate plasticity rules is based on recent post-synaptic activity of neighboring neurons. Apparatus and methods for simplifying training of the devices are also disclosed, including a computer-based application. A data representation of the neural network may be imaged and transferred to another computational environment, effectively copying the brain. Techniques and architectures for achieve this training, storing, and distributing these data representations are also disclosed.

PRIORITY AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/654,738, filed on Jun. 1, 2012, of the same title, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to co-owned and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/152,119, entitled “SENSORY INPUT PROCESSINGAPPARATUS AND METHODS”, filed on Jun. 2, 2011, co-owned and co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,105, entitled “APPARATUS ANDMETHODS FOR TEMPORALLY PROXIMATE OBJECT RECOGNITION”, filed Jun. 2,2011, co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/465,924, entitled “SPIKING NEURAL NETWORK FEEDBACK APPARATUS ANDMETHODS”, filed May 7, 2012, co-owned and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/465,903 entitled “SENSORY INPUT PROCESSINGAPPARATUS IN A SPIKING NEURAL NETWORK”, filed May 7, 2012, co-owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/465,918, entitled “SPIKING NEURAL NETWORKOBJECT RECOGNITION APPARATUS AND METHODS”, filed May 7, 2012, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/671,434, filed on Jul. 13,2012, entitled “INTELLIGENT MODULAR ROBOTIC APPARATUS AND METHODS”, nowU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,919 filed herewith on Mar. 14,2013, entitled “INTELLIGENT MODULAR ROBOTIC APPARATUS AND METHODS”, eachof the foregoing incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates in one exemplary aspect to implementinglearning in artificial intelligence or robotic apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

Current methods for the behavioral control of artificial intelligence orrobotic devices involves text-based coding, graphical programming, ordirect input machine control panels.

The text-based programming environment imposes few constraints on anoperator. For example, an operator may implement virtually any behaviorthat the operator (or his team) can conceptualize and translate intoformal programming code. The robotic device's behavior is entirelyguided by the code written into its memory. Typical text-basedprogramming disadvantageously requires significant background knowledgeof the functions and logical form of the language. Using this knowledge,programmers then translate the desired behavior of a robotic device intoa logical form compatible with functions of the language. For example, aprogrammer interested in creating a robotic device may use the RobotOperating System (ROS). The programmer may the compile routines forcontrolling the robotic device in Java®, C/C++, MATLAB®, etc. The ROScommunity also supplies a host of application programming interfaces(APIs) and other tools to assist programmers developing applications forrobots.

Another example, Arduino, is a popular open-source microcontroller boardline. The Arduino microcontroller can be programmed through the ArduinoIntegrated development Environment (IDE). The Arduino IDE includes aC/C++ library that provides custom functions for setting up thefunctions of the microcontroller board. The provided C/C++ librarygreatly simplifies programming the microcontroller. With knowledge ofmicrocontroller operation and an intermediate knowledge of the C/C++programming environment, a user may setup control functions for theArduino microcontroller.

Unfortunately, the foregoing programming environments are inaccessibleto users lacking formal programming knowledge. Graphical programmingparadigms have been used to lessen the knowledge/experience barrier forentry into the programming arts. LabView® is an example of a widely usedprogramming package designed for the control of laboratory equipment andgeneral programming. LabView uses a layout similar to a circuit diagramto map out the functions performed by a program. The user lays out aseries of interconnected functions and loops that run from a startingpoint to a terminal point, break, or terminal condition setup by theuser. Conceptually, LabView is similar to text based programmingenvironments described supra in that it follows the same logicalguidelines, albeit with a graphical input layout.

Another system, LEGO® Mindstorms provides a programmable LEGO brick(Pbrick) that may be programmed or controlled via a computer link. TheLEGO Mindstorms each include a flow-chart-based programming languagecalled the Robotic Command eXplorer (RCX) code for use with the Pbrick.The language is generally similar in operation to LabView because a userlays out their commands graphically in the program editor. However, theRCX is more linear in its operation than LabView (execution proceedsfrom beginning to end with fewer allowed parallel processes), and asmaller number of functions are available to the user. The firmware ofthe Pbrick can be altered to be used with ROBOLAB. ROBOLAB is aneducational firmware version based on LabView. Furthermore, a wealth ofother third party firmware products are available and allow forprogramming of the Pbrick in a number of programming environments (e.g.Java® and C/C++).

Based on the foregoing, there is a salient need for, inter alia, a moreintuitive and easier-to-use learning and interface paradigm forartificial intelligence/robotic systems.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, apparatus and methods fortraining artificial neural networks, and sharing network state and othertypes of information.

In a first aspect, a network server apparatus is disclosed. In oneimplementation the network server includes: (i) processing logic, (ii) astorage entity, and (iii) a network interface. The storage entity isconfigured to store a plurality of information (such as e.g., images).The network interface is in data communication with the processing logicand is operatively connected to a plurality of neural network devices.The network interface is configured to: (i) receive a request to uploadinformation, (ii) establish a data connection to a neural network deviceof the plurality, (iii) receive the information, the informationdescribing a state of the neural network device, and (iv) in response toa second request, transfer the information to one or more neural networkdevices of the plurality.

In a second aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium configuredto store at least one computer program thereon is disclosed. In oneimplementation, the computer program includes a plurality ofinstructions configured to when executed: (i) establish a dataconnection to a synaptic device, (ii) receive status information fromthe synaptic device, (iii) issue a command to the synaptic device, thesynaptic device executing an action based at least in part on thecommand, (iv) receive feedback input from a user, and (v) forward thefeedback input to the synaptic device via the data connection. The actof forwarding feedback input causes the synaptic device to alter abehavioral trait.

In a third aspect, a method of updating the state of a neural networkdevice is disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes: (i)establishing a data connection to a cloud server apparatus, (ii)browsing a plurality of state files via a user interface, the statefiles being stored on the cloud server apparatus, (iii) selecting anindividual one of the plurality of state files, (iv) establishing asecond data connection to the neural network device, and (v) causing theextraction and application of a state by the neural network device, thestate being described at least in part by the individual one of theplurality of state files.

In a fourth aspect, a cloud server apparatus is disclosed. In oneimplementation, the cloud server apparatus includes: (i) a storageentity configured to store a plurality of neuromorphic apparatus statedata, (ii) a network interface, and (iii) a processor in datacommunication with the storage entity and the network interface. Theprocessor is configured to run one or more processes thereon. Theprocesses include a plurality of instructions configured to, whenexecuted: (i) authenticate a subscriber accessing the cloud serverapparatus via a user interface device, (ii) receive a request from thesubscriber for one or more of the plurality of neuromorphic apparatusstate data, (iii) determine if the subscriber has permission to accessto the one or more of the plurality of neuromorphic apparatus statedata, and (iv) based at least in part on the determination, transmit theone or more of the plurality of neuromorphic apparatus state data to atleast one of: (a) a neuromorphic apparatus associated with thesubscriber and (b) the user interface device.

In a fifth aspect, a method of sharing learned behaviors or traits amongtwo or more artificially intelligent entities is disclosed. In oneimplementation, the method includes teaching a first of the entities adesired behavior, and storing information relating to that learned traitor behavior on a mutually accessible storage device (such as a cloudserver). A second (and possibly other) one of the entities then accessesthe storage device, and obtains the learned trait/behavior information,which it can then use to upgrade or modify its own behavior or traits.

In a sixth aspect, a method of collaborative behavior among two or moreartificially intelligent entities is disclosed. In one implementation,the method includes utilization of a substantially centralizedbehavioral information storage repository that is accessible by theentities simultaneously, such that adaptive learning experienced by oneof the entities can be communicated to the centralized repository, andhence communicated to others of the entities so as to either reinforcesimilar learning experiences within the other entities, or obviate theother entities from having to undergo the same or similar learningprocess. In some implementations, heterogeneous plasticity rules areapplied across the entities (and/or across individual artificial neuronswithin the entities themselves) so as increase micro- and/or macro fielddiversity within the entities individually, or as a whole.

In a seventh aspect, a method of behavioral programming in an artificialneural network is disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes:(i) generating a data link to at least one device configured to run theartificial neural network, (ii) receiving one or more data elementsindicating a current status of the associated with the artificial neuralnetwork, (iii) displaying information, on a display, related to at leasta portion of the one or more data elements, (iv) receiving user inputfrom a user interface, (v) generating one or more feedback elementsbased at least in part on the user input, and (vi) transmitting the oneor more feedback elements to the artificial neural network via the datalink.

In an eighth aspect, a training device configured to manage activity ina spiking neural network is disclosed. In one or more implementations,the training device comprises: at least one network interface, a userinterface, and processing logic. In an exemplary implementation, the atleast one network interface is configured to: (1) establish an operativelink to the spiking neural network, (ii) receive one or more activityindicators associated with the spiking neural network, and (iii)transmit feedback input to the spiking neural network. In one variant,the user interface is configured to: (i) based at least in part on theone or more activity indicators display one or more human perceptiblesignals, and (ii) provide a user with at least one menu from which toselect training options. The logic is in operative communication withthe user interface and network interface, and is the configured toprocess a selected training option to generate the feedback input.

In a ninth aspect, a method of managing activity within a spiking neuralnetwork is disclosed. In various implementations, the method comprises:(i) establishing a data link to a user interface device, (ii) sendingone or more status updates related to a plurality of activity statesneurons in the spiking neural network, (iii) receiving, via the link,one or more feedback indicators, the one or more feedback indicatorsbased at least on part on a selected training option from the userinterface device, and (iv) based on at least one rule, associating thefeedback with a subset of the neurons in the spiking neural network.

In a tenth aspect, a computerized neuromorphic apparatus is disclosed.In one or more implementations, the apparatus comprises: (i) one or morefunctional modules, (ii) a network interface configured to establish alink to a training device, and (iii) processing logic. In an exemplaryimplementation, the logic is configured to: (i) send, to the trainingdevice, status indicators related to a neural network disposed at leastin part on the computerized neuromorphic apparatus, (ii) receivefeedback based on a selected one or more of a plurality of availablemanagement options, and (iii) alter a state of one or more of a neuronand a connection in accordance with the feedback and at least one timingrule.

Further features and various advantages will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is functional block diagram of one exemplary artificial spikingneural network consistent with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an adaptation mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a second functional block diagram of the adaptation mechanismshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a network merge inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5A is a functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofan evolutionary transformation.

FIG. 5B is a functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofa transformation operation.

FIG. 5C is a functional block diagram illustrating a secondtransformation operation in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofa cloud server repository.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating one implementation ofa robotic apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one implementation of ageneralized method for network life cycle management.

FIG. 9 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a second implementation ofa generalized method for network life cycle management.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a heterosynapticplasticity mechanism.

FIG. 11A is a functional block diagram illustrating one implementationof a computerized neuromorphic processing system.

FIG. 11B is a functional block diagram illustrating a secondimplementation of a computerized neuromorphic processing system.

FIG. 11C is a functional block diagram illustrating a thirdimplementation of a computerized neuromorphic processing system.

FIG. 11D is a functional block diagram illustrating a fourthimplementation of a computerized neuromorphic processing system.

FIG. 12A is a functional block diagram illustrating a connectivityconfiguration consistent with one or more implementations.

FIG. 12B is a functional block diagram illustrating a secondconnectivity configuration consistent with one or more implementations.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplaryimplementation of a user interface device.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating a cloud serverconfiguration consistent with one or more implementations.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of theInstinct submenu of a training application.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of theTraining submenu of a training application.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of the Commandsubmenu of a training application.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of the Hygienesubmenu of a training application.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of theSocialize submenu of a training application.

All Figures disclosed herein are © Copyright 2013 Brain Corporation. Allrights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present disclosure will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings, which are provided asillustrative examples so as to enable those skilled in the art topractice the architectures and principles disclosed herein. Notably, thefigures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure to a single implementation, but other implementationsare possible by way of interchange of or combination with some or all ofthe described or illustrated elements. Wherever convenient, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to sameor like parts.

Where certain elements of these implementations can be partially orfully implemented using known components, only those portions of suchknown components that are necessary for an understanding of the presentdisclosure will be described, and detailed descriptions of otherportions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscurethe invention.

In the present specification, implementations showing a singularcomponent should not be considered limiting; rather, the disclosure isintended to encompass other implementations including a plurality of thesame component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwiseherein.

Further, the present disclosure encompasses present and future knownequivalents to the components referred to herein by way of illustration.

As used herein, the term “bus” is meant generally to denote all types ofinterconnection or communication architecture that is used to access thesynaptic and neuron memory. The “bus” could be optical, wireless,infrared or another type of communication medium. The exact topology ofthe bus could be for example standard “bus”, hierarchical bus,network-on-chip, address-event-representation (AER) connection, or othertype of communication topology used for accessing, e.g., differentmemories in pulse-based system.

As used herein, the terms “computer”, “computing device”, and“computerized device”, include, but are not limited to, personalcomputers (PCs) and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, orotherwise, mainframe computers, workstations, servers, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), handheld computers, embedded computers, programmablelogic device, personal communicators, tablet computers, portablenavigation aids, J2ME equipped devices, cellular telephones, smartphones, personal integrated communication or entertainment devices, orliterally any other device capable of executing a set of instructionsand processing an incoming data signal.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, C#, Fortran,COBOL, MATLAB™, PASCAL, Python, assembly language, markup languages(e.g., HTML, SGML, XML, VoXML), and the like, as well as object-orientedenvironments such as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture(CORBA), Java™ (including J2ME, Java Beans, etc.), Binary RuntimeEnvironment (e.g., BREW), and the like.

As used herein, the terms “connection”, “link”, “synaptic channel”,“transmission channel”, “delay line”, are meant generally to denote acausal link between any two or more entities (whether physical orlogical/virtual), which enables information exchange between theentities.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM. PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, Mobile DRAM,SDRAM, DDR/2 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g.,NAND/NOR), memristor memory, and PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “digital processor” aremeant generally to include all types of digital processing devicesincluding, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reducedinstruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors,microcontrollers, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs)), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs),array processors, secure microprocessors, and application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained ona single unitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal, data,or software interface with a component, network or process including,without limitation, those of the FireWire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.),USB (e.g., USB2), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (GigabitEthernet), 10-Gig-E, etc.), Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), PAN (e.g.,802.15), cellular (e.g., 3G, LTE/LTE-A/TD-LTE, GSM, etc.) or IrDAfamilies.

As used herein, the terms “pulse”, “spike”, “burst of spikes”, and“pulse train” are meant generally to refer to, without limitation, anytype of a pulsed signal, e.g., a rapid change in some characteristic ofa signal, e.g., amplitude, intensity, phase or frequency, from abaseline value to a higher or lower value, followed by a rapid return tothe baseline value and may refer to any of a single spike, a burst ofspikes, an electronic pulse, a pulse in voltage, a pulse in electricalcurrent, a software representation of a pulse and/or burst of pulses, asoftware message representing a discrete pulsed event, and any otherpulse or pulse type associated with a discrete information transmissionsystem or mechanism.

As used herein, the term “receptive field” is used to describe sets ofweighted inputs from filtered input elements, where the weights areadjusted.

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation, any ofthe variants of IEEE-Std. 802.11 or related standards including802.11a/b/g/n/s/v.

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, 30 (3GPP/3GPP2), HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A,WCDMA, etc.), FUSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20,narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS, LTE/LTE-A/TD-LTE, analog cellular, CDPD,satellite systems, millimeter wave or microwave systems, acoustic, andinfrared (i.e., IrDA).

Overview

Currently, systems for programming robotic devices rely on formalprogramming structures to provide instruction sets. Users of thesesystems are required to have specific foreknowledge of the programmingenvironment before a task may be undertaken. Furthermore, many of thesesystems (even those based on more graphical programming paradigms)require significant experience before a user is able to easilyconceptualize even some seemingly simple robotic device behaviors withinthe rubric of a formalized programming environment.

It will be apparent in light of the present disclosure, that theaforementioned problem is readily addressed by an intuitive roboticdevice behavioral control system. In one salient aspect of thedisclosure, such an intuitive behavioral control system is introduced inthe form of a robotic device training application (e.g., a computerprogram running on a computerized device such as a PC, smartphone ortablet computer). The training application uses a behavioral controlstructure that allows a user to train a robotic device in mannerconceptually similar to the mode in which one goes about training adomesticated animal such as a dog or cat. This renders thetraining/learning process much more accessible for a broad spectrum ofpotential users, ranging from infants to the elderly (and even toinclude non-human entities such as other robots or artificiallyintelligent apparatus or life forms), as well as those with little or noformal training or knowledge in robotics or computer programming.

Corollary to a training paradigm is a robotic control platform receptiveto a user feedback system. As discussed herein, artificial neuralnetworks are frequently used to gain an understanding of biologicalneural networks, and for solving artificial intelligence problems.Consistent with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, anartificial neural network model is used to leverage its biologicallyanalogous training properties (e.g. alteration of behavior traits viafeedback/feed-forward approaches). These training behaviors areimplemented in one exemplary approach through plasticity in the neutralnetwork. The neural network exhibits an affinity for their current state(plasticity); however, with repeated or extreme feedback the neuralnetwork may be altered. This results in the new behavior traits.

In one exemplary implementation, a device running such a trainingapplication is operatively linked to a robotic device controlled by sucha neural network. A user is able to supply commands and provide feedback(positive and/or negative) from the application. In someimplementations, the application includes submenus containing tools forthe execution of the training and managing various options for therobotic device, in effect creating a robotic training virtual“ecosystem”.

The present disclosure further pertains to a user ability to share anddiscuss content related to the training of such robotic devices. Invarious implementations of the present disclosure, a user may extractthe state of a neural network (or other useful training-relatedinformation) directly from the device. Thus, the artificial mind and itstraits may be copied, stored, and later retrieved. This stateinformation may be shared with other users. Consistent with the presentdisclosure, a user may download such stored state information (whetherfrom networked or cloud storage, or in a peer-to-peer (P2P) fashion) andapply it to a second neural network, effectively duplicating the firstneural network, or alternatively enabling macro-level heterogeneousplasticity (i.e., obviating the second neural device from having to“learn the lessons” learned by the first neural device).

Processes and architectures for sharing such state information among aplurality of users are disclosed as well. In one exemplaryimplementation, a cloud-based repository of brain “images” (e.g., neuralnetwork state information) is introduced. Users may access the cloudrepository (such as under a subscription, per-access, or other businessmodel) and browse brain images created by other users. Brain images arealso offered for purchase via the repository in an online “app” storemodel. Other related content such as user-created training related media(e.g., a video clip of “how I trained my robot” or the like) isavailable through the repository and social forums and links.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Implementations

Exemplary implementations of the various facets of the disclosure arenow described in detail. It will be appreciated that while describedsubstantially in the context of artificial spiking neurons and neuralnetworks, the present disclosure is in no way so limited, the foregoingmerely being but one possible approach. The disclosure is contemplatedfor use with any number of different artificial intelligence models andparadigms.

Artificial Spiking Neural Networks

Artificial spiking neural networks are frequently used to gain anunderstanding of biological neural networks, and for solving artificialintelligence problems. These networks typically employ a pulse-codedmechanism, which encodes information using timing of the pulses. Suchpulses (also referred to as “spikes” or ‘impulses’) are short-lasting(typically on the order of 1-2 ms) discrete temporal events. Severalexemplary implementations of such encoding are described in a commonlyowned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,084entitled APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PULSE-CODE INVARIANT OBJECTRECOGNITION”, filed Jun. 2, 2011, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/152,119, Jun. 2, 2011, entitled “SENSORY INPUT PROCESSING APPARATUSAND METHODS”, each being incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety

A typical artificial spiking neural network, such as the network 100shown for example in FIG. 1, includes a plurality of units (or nodes)102, which correspond to neurons in a biological neural network. Anygiven unit 102 may receive input via connections 104, also referred toas communications channels, or synaptic connections. Any given unit 102may further be connected to other units via connections 112, alsoreferred to as communications channels, or synaptic connections. Theunits (e.g., the units 106 in FIG. 1) providing inputs to any given unitvia for example connections 104, are commonly referred to as thepre-synaptic units, while the unit receiving the inputs (e.g., the units102 in FIG. 1) is referred to as the post-synaptic unit. Furthermore,the post-synaptic unit of one unit layer (e.g. the units 102 in FIG. 1)can act as the pre-synaptic unit for the subsequent upper layer of units(not shown).

Each of the connections (104, 112 in FIG. 1) is assigned, inter alia, aconnection efficacy (which in general refers to a magnitude and/orprobability of influence of pre-synaptic spike to firing ofpost-synaptic neuron, and may comprise, for example a parameter:synaptic weight, by which one or more state variables of post synapticunit are changed). During operation of the pulse-code network (e.g., thenetwork 100), synaptic weights are typically adjusted using what isreferred to as the spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) in order toimplement, among other things, network learning.

One such adaptation mechanism is illustrated with respect to FIGS. 2-3.Traces 200, 210 in FIG. 2 depict pre-synaptic input spike train(delivered for example via connection 104_1 in FIG. 1) and post synapticoutput spike train (generated, for example, by the neuron 102_1 in FIG.1), respectively.

Properties of the connections 104 (such as weights w) are typicallyadjusted based on relative timing between the pre-synaptic input (e.g.,the pulses 202, 204, 206, 208 in FIG. 2) and post-synaptic output pulses(e.g., the pulses 214, 216, 218 in FIG. 2). One typical STDP weightadaptation rule is illustrated in FIG. 3, where rule 300 depictssynaptic weight change Δw as a function of time difference between thetime of post-synaptic output generation and arrival of pre-synapticinput Δt=t_(post)−t_(pre). In some implementations, synaptic connections(e.g., the connections 104 in FIG. 1) delivering pre-synaptic inputprior to the generation of post-synaptic response are potentiated (asindicated by Δw>0 associated with the curve 302), while synapticconnections (e.g., the connections 104 in FIG. 1) deliveringpre-synaptic input subsequent to the generation of post-synapticresponse are depressed (as indicated by Δw<0 associated with the curve304 in FIG. 3). By way of illustration, when the post-synaptic pulse 208in FIG. 2 is generated: (i) connection associated with the pre-synapticinput 214 precedes the output pulse (indicated by the line denoted 224)and it is potentiated (Δw>0 in FIG. 3 and the weight is increased); and(ii) connections associated with the pre-synaptic input 216, 218 thatfollow are depressed (Δw<0 in FIG. 3 and the weights are decreased).

Neural networks, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, are often utilized inrobotic devices.

Network Training

The robotic brain may comprise one or more neural networks (e.g., thenetwork 100), each comprising plurality of connections (e.g., theconnections 104 of FIG. 1) having connection efficacy θ_(ij) associatedtherewith. In one or more implementations, the connection efficacy maycomprise synaptic weights configured to be updated according to:reward-modulated spike-timing-dependent plasticity as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{\frac{{\theta_{ij}\left( {t,a} \right)}}{t} \propto {{R\left( {t,a} \right)}{\sum\limits_{k}^{\;}\; {{\eta_{k}\left( {t,a} \right)}{e_{k}\left( {t,a} \right)}\frac{{\theta_{ij}(t)}}{t}}}}} = {\eta \; {R(t)}{e_{ij}(t)}}} & \left( {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 1} \right)\end{matrix}$

where:

-   -   θ_(ji)(t) is the efficacy of a synaptic connection between the        pre-synaptic neuron i and the post-synaptic neuron j;    -   η is a parameter referred to as the learning rate that scales        the θ-changes enforced by learning, η can be a constant        parameter or it can be a function of some other system        parameters;    -   R(t) is a function describing the reward signal;    -   e_(ji)(t) is eligibility trace, configured to characterize        correlation between pre-synaptic and post-synaptic activity.    -   a is a set of parameters that R, η_(k) and e_(k) are dependent        upon.

In one or more implementations, a trained network or collection ofnetworks (hereinafter also referred to as robotic brain) may be updatedand/or merged in accordance with any of the methodologies describedbelow.

In some implementations, the trained network connection efficacy map maybe characterized by an efficacy vector Θ as follows:

Θ={θ_(ji)}  (Eqn. 2)

where θ_(ji) is the efficacy of i^(th) synapse of j^(th) neuron of thenetwork. Various methods of mapping multi-dimensional arrays into asingle dimension vector exist in the arts (e.g., column-wise, row-wise,etc.).

Based on the values of Θ associated with the individual neurons,different actions occur. For example, neurons with low efficacy may bepruned. Alternatively, groups of neurons with high efficacy may beaugmented with new neurons and interconnects. The more the Θ vector isused to alter the spatial state of the robotic brain, the more behaviorof the robot controlled by the brain reflects the series of feedbackused to generate the vector.

In various implementations consistent with the present disclosure, therobotic brain is configured to be receptive to training. The network maybe capable of self-organization (e.g. the creation (destruction) oflinks to denote highly (sparsely) used pathways), unsupervised learning(e.g. practice to develop refined routines), and reward-modulatedlearning as discussed above.

In one or more implementations, the efficacy vector Θ may comprise avector of trained network connection weights W (expressed in a fixed orfloating point format), which are used during the network update/merge.In some implementations, the neuron state information may beupdated/transferred as well.

Network Transformations Network Updates

FIG. 3 illustrates various exemplary implementations of robotic brain(network) updates. The network updates illustrated in FIG. 3 maycomprise for instance a complete weight update 300, where the existingtrained weights vector W 302 is replaced with a different weight vector304. Such implementation may be used for example, when operating severalidentical robotic devices and the network weight configuration of asingle ‘trained’ apparatus is downloaded into other (untrained) devices.The update implementation may also be used when (improved) trainingversions of network are distributed by one user (and/or a vendor) toother user with (or without) a cost associated therewith.

In some implementations, the new weight vector may comprise more (notshown) of fewer elements, as illustrated for example by the update 310,comprising the replacement weight vector 314 comprising fewer elementscompared to the original weight vector 312.

In some implementations, only a portion of the network weights may beupdated as, as illustrated for example by the update 320 of FIG. 3,comprising the replacement weight vector 324 comprises the replacementportion 326, configured to replace the respective weights from theoriginal weight configuration 322. The remaining portion 328 of thenetwork weights remains unchanged. Fewer elements remain compared to theoriginal weight vector 312. Such implementation may be used for example,when updating one or more modules of a partitioned network, (e.g., amotor-control partition, or a signal processing partition). The updateimplementation may also be used when (improved) training versions ofnetwork are distributed by one user (and/or a vendor) to other user withor without a cost associated therewith. In some implementations, theupdate 320 may be utilized to implement a new version of sensor oractuator driver, a more efficient sensor encoder, input/output interfaceprotocol, etc.

In some implementations, the weight vector updates may include removaland replacement of obsolete (or temporally unused features) such as, forexample, replacing a motor control portion with a more advanced videoprocessing portion of the network when a mobile robotic device isdeployed in stationary fashion in order to comply with the hardwareconstraints (e.g. on-board memory size, and or power consumption).

Network Merges

In some implementations, the network lifecycle may comprise networkweight updates comprising two or more sources, also referred herein toas “merges”.

In one or more implementations, such as the merge 400 illustrated inFIG. 4, the ‘offspring’ network configuration (e.g., the weight vectorW) 408 may be obtained using two parent weight vectors 402, 406 combinedvia an operation 404.

In some implementations, the network merge may comprise non-interleavedcombination as illustrated by the merges 430 in FIG. 4, where theparents A provides the portion 432 and the parent B provides the portion434 to the off-spring 436. In some implementations (not shown), theportion 432 may comprises the same number of weights as the portion 434.The non-interleaved network merge, such as illustrated in FIG. 4, may beused, for example, to combine capabilities of two (or more) parents orto add a capability to one of the parent network.

Various operations 404 of FIG. 4 may be used to produce contributions byone or more parent. In one or more implementations, the off-springweight vector may be determined by combining the traits from parent Aand parent B are combined as follows:

W ^(off)=(W ^(A) OR W ^(B))  (Eqn. 3)

In one or more implementations, the off-spring weight vector may bedetermined by determining traits in the parent B that are not in theparent A and adding these to the parent A as follows:

W ^(off)=(W ^(A) AND W ^(B)).  (Eqn. 4)

Network Evolution

In some implementations, the network lifecycle may comprise evolutionarynetwork weight merges (described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, discussedbelow). In one or more implementations, the parent and the off-springnetworks may be configured to operate on robotic devices comprising thesame (or similar) hardware/software configuration, such as for example,sensor and actuator complement, available synaptic memory and processingcapacity.

In one or more implementations, such as the merge 400 illustrated inFIG. 4, the evolutionary ‘offspring’ network configuration (e.g., theweight vector W) 408 may be obtained using two parent weight vectors402, 406 combined via an operation 404.

In some implementations, such as the evolutionary transformation 500illustrated in FIG. 5, the ‘offspring’ network configuration 508 may beobtained using a single parent weight vector 502 transformed via theoperation 504.

Various exemplary implementations of the transformation operations 404,505 are illustrated with respect to FIGS. 5B-5C. The merges 510, 520illustrated in FIG. 5B comprise interleaved segments of weights fromparent A and parent B (the segments 512, 522 from the parent A and thesegments 514, 524 from the parent B, respectively, in FIG. 5B) toproduce the off-spring weight vectors 516, 526, respectively. While thecombination 510 comprises equal contributions from each parent, thecombination 520 may comprise non-equal contributions, with the parent522 providing a larger portion of the weights to the off-spring 526.Although the parent A, the parent B and the off-spring are shown asseparate entities in FIG. 5B-5C for clarity, it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the arts that such may not always be the case. By wayof illustration, in some implementations, the offspring may compriseeither (or both) of the parents A or B. In such implementation, acomputerized device may be used to assist the merge store intermediateoff-spring weight configuration during the merge, and to update one (orboth) of the parents.

The interleaved network merge may be used in some implementations togenerate new weight vector for a network configured to be use byoff-spring configured to implement (a subset) of parent functionality.By way of illustration, two or more trash collector robotic apparatus,employed in a home or an office building, and comprising similarhardware (e.g., sensors and actuators) but trained under differentconditions and, hence, comprising different sets of network weights, mayutilize interleaved merge to produce an off-spring exhibiting combinedset of capabilities.

In some implementations, the number of segments 512, 514 and segmentlength may be pre-determined. In some implementations, the number ofsegments and/or their length may be selected at random (given the Wvector length constraint).

Example 1

By way of illustration, in a network comprising 1000 synapses, the merge520 may be configured as follows:

-   -   select splice points at locations 75, 225, 300, 600, 892;    -   use parent A to provide weights for the segments in the ranges:        1-74, 225-299, 600-891; and    -   use parent B to provide weights for the segments in the ranges:        75-224, 300-599, 832-1000.        In some implementations, the splice point positions may be        varied with e.g., some random jitter, e.g., with respect to        Example 1, the splice points may be varied by ±N points and        comprise (75, 223, 300, 601, 888) in one realization with N=5.

Data merges for one or more segments (e.g., the segment 532, 542 in FIG.5C) may employ various transformations 504 as describe with respect toFIG. 5C. In some implementations, the transformation 504 may beimplemented using the following generalized form:

W _(i) ^(O) =AW _(i) ^(A) +BW _(i) ^(B) +CN _(i),  (Eqn. 5)

where N_(i) is the random weight component, configured to effectuate,inter alia, exploration during leaning by the off-spring network (i.e.,mutations). FIG. 5C illustrates two exemplary implementations ofinter-parent transformation with mutation 530, 540, that may beperformed in accordance with Eqn. 5. In FIG. 5C, the off-spring networkweight vectors 536, 546 comprise weight contributions from both parents(532, 534) and (542, 544), respectively, with an additional randomcomponent.

In some implementations, the coefficients A, B, C may be selected suchthat the weights of the off-spring are normalized to the same range asthe weights of the parents, e.g.: A+B+C=1.

In one implementation, either of the weight coefficients A, B may be setto zero and the transformation of Eqn. 5 describes ‘self-mutation’.

In some implementations, the coefficients A, B are selected A=B=0.5,corresponding to inter-parent average with mutation.

W _(i) ^(O)=(W _(i) ^(A) +W _(i) ^(B))2+CN _(i).

In some implementations the transformation of Eqn. 5 may be used todescribe the insert/delete transformation as well as setting weightsusing a random distribution, for one or more segments (e.g., the segment532, 542 in FIG. 5C).

In some implementations, the transformation 504 may comprise a majorityrule so that if both parents have the same weight values, the offspringhas the same value. The rest of off-spring weights may be set to any of(i) a random value; (ii) and inter parent average; segment average; etc.

In some implementations, the transformation 504 may comprise a minorityrule so that if both parents have the same weight values, the offspringhas a random weight value. The rest of off-spring weights may be set toany of e.g.: (i) a random value; (ii) and inter-parent average; segmentaverage; etc.

Exemplary Methods

Exemplary implementations of the network life cycle, comprising trainingand transformation methodology described herein advantageously enable,inter alia, provision of trained robotic apparatus via network transfer,update and merge, and facilitate training of robotic networks viaevolutionary merges.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, exemplary uses of the network life cyclemethodology according to the disclosure are described. In someimplementations, the methods of FIG. 8-9 may be used, for example, foroperating the robotic apparatus 610 of FIG. 7. The method FIGS. 8-9 maybe implemented for example in a robotic device configured for processingof sensory data as described with respect to FIG. 10, infra, therebyadvantageously aiding, inter alia, signal compression, and/or objectrecognition when processing visual sensory input.

Returning now to FIG. 8, at step 802 of the method 800, a check isperformed whether a transformation of the network operating roboticdevice is to be executed.

When the transformation is to be executed, the method 800 proceeds tostep 804, where the transformation type is selected. In someimplementations, the transformation may correspond to the robotic brainupdate described in detail with respect to FIG. 4, supra, while in someimplementations, the transformation may correspond to the network mergedescribed in detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B. The transformation mayalso include an evolutionary merge of two parent networks, as describedfor example, by Eqn. 5, while in some implementations the transformationmay comprise self-transformation with or without mutation.

When the selected transformation requires external source (e.g., one ormore parents) at step 805, a connection to external depository isestablished. In some implementations, the depository may comprise cloudserver depository 606, described in detail in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, one ormore remote user devices 610 may connect via a remote link 614 to thedepository 606 in order to save, load, update, etc. their networkconfiguration. The one or more remote user devices may further interfacewith a local user computerized device 604 via a local link 608 in orderto facilitate learning configuration and software maintenance of theuser device 610. In one or more implementations, the local link 608 maycomprise a network (Ethernet), wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,infrared, radio), or serial link (USB, Firewire, etc.). The localcomputerized device 604 may communicate with the cloud server depository606 via link 612. In one or more implementations, links 612 and/or 614may comprise an internet connection, etc. effectuated via any of theapplicable wired and/or wireless technologies (e.g., Ethernet, WiFi,LTE, CDMA, GSM, etc). In some implementations, the remote user devices610 may interface to a remote control module 616 (e.g., a clicker) via ashort range wireless link (e.g., IR, Bluetooth) in order to receive, forexample, reward signal (e.g., clicks) during training of the device 610.

At step 806, the source networks (the parent brains) are selected. Inone or more implementations, the source may comprise weight vectors ofone or more parents, as described for example with respect to FIGS.5B-5C. In one or more implementations, the source may comprise a singleparent or the network being transformed (self transformation),illustrated for example in FIG. 5A.

At step 808, the target network (the offspring) is selected. In one ormore implementations, the target may comprise the off-spring (e.g., thenetwork of the device being updated/transformed). In someimplementations, the target may comprise a network image configured tobe stored within a cloud server, and/or downloaded to one or moredevices (e.g., the devices 610 in FIG. 6).

At step 810, the target network configuration is generated. In one ormore implementations, the target configuration may comprise networkweights downloaded into the target robotic device. In someimplementations, the target configuration may comprise network weightsvector stored within the cloud server and available for subsequentdownloads to one or more robotic devices (e.g., 610 of FIG. 6).

FIG. 9 illustrates the generation of new network configurationcomprising inter-parent merge in accordance with one or moreimplementations. At step 922 of the method 920 the transformation typeis selected. In some implementations, the transformation may correspondto the robotic brain update described in detail with respect to FIG. 4,supra, while in some implementations, the transformation may correspondto the network merge described in detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B. Insome implementations, the transformation may comprise an evolutionarymerge of two parent networks, as described for example, by Eqn. 5, whilein some implementations the transformation may compriseself-transformation (with or without mutation).

At step 924, the splice points for the merge are selected. In someimplementations, the splice points may be configured as fixed locations,as illustrated with respect to FIG. 5B. In one or more implementations,the splice locations may be altered by applying some random jitter ateach successive update.

At step 926, the source weights (the parent networks) are selected foreach segment. In one or more implementation, the source may compriseweight vectors of one or more parents, as described for example withrespect to FIGS. 5B-5C. In one or more implementations, the source maycomprise a single parent and the network of the device being updated.

At step 928, the target network (the offspring) configuration isgenerated for each segment. In one or more implementation, the targetconfiguration may comprise network weights downloaded into the targetrobotic device. In some implementations, the target configuration maycomprise one or more network weight vectors stored within the cloudserver and available for subsequent downloads to one or more roboticdevices. The target network may be obtained for example by using adeterministic transformation, such as described by Eqn. 5, with theparameter C=0.

If additional segments remain to be transformed, at step 930 the method920 proceeds to step 926.

Exemplary Apparatus

Various implementations of exemplary neural network apparatus comprisingone or more of the methods set forth herein (e.g., using the exemplaryheterosynaptic plasticity mechanism explained above) are now describedwith respect to FIGS. 10-11D.

Robotic Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 7, a functional block diagram of a roboticapparatus 610 consistent with the present disclosure is shown. Therobotic apparatus includes a robotic brain 712 for control of thedevice. Additional memory 714 and processing capacity 716 is availablefor other hardware/firmware/software needs of the robotic device. Insome implementations, the robotic brain 712 interfaces with themechanical 718 sensory 720, electrical 722, and power components 724,and network interface 726 via driver interfaces and software abstractionlayers. Thus, additional processing and memory capacity may be used tosupport these processes. However, it will be appreciated that thesecomponents may be fully controlled by the robotic brain. The memory andprocessing capacity may also aid in brain image management for therobotic device (e.g. loading, replacement, initial startup etc.).Consistent with the present disclosure, the various components of thedevice may be remotely disposed from one another, and/or aggregated. Forexample, the robotic brain may be executed on a server apparatus, andcontrol the mechanical components via network or radio connection whilememory or storage capacity may be integrated into the brain. Further,multiple mechanical, sensory, or electrical units may be controlled be asingle robotic brain via network/radio connectivity.

The mechanical components 718 may include virtually any type of devicecapable of motion or performance of a desired function or task. Thesemay include, without limitation, motors, servos, pumps, hydraulics,pneumatics, stepper motors, rotational plates, micro-electromechanicaldevices (MEMS), electroactive polymers, etc. The devices interface withthe robotic brain and enable physical interaction and manipulation ofthe device.

The sensory devices 720 allow the robotic device to accept stimulus fromexternal entities. These may include, without limitation, video, audio,haptic, capacitive, radio, vibrational, ultrasonic, infrared, andtemperature sensors radar, lidar and/or sonar, etc. The processingassociated with sensory information is discussed below with respect toFIG. 10.

The electrical components 722 include virtually any electrical devicefor interaction and manipulation of the outside world. This may include,without limitation, light/radiation generating devices (e.g. LEDs, IRsources, light bulbs, etc.), audio devices, monitors/displays, switches,heaters, coolers, ultrasound transducers, lasers, etc. These devicesenable a wide array of applications for the robotic apparatus inindustrial, hobbyist, building management, medical device,military/intelligence, and other fields (as discussed below).

The network interface includes one or more connections to externalcomputerized devices to allow for, inter alia, management of the roboticdevice. The connections may include any of the wireless or wirelineinterfaces discussed above, and further may include customized orproprietary connections for specific applications.

The power system 724 is tailored to the needs of the application of thedevice. For example, for a small hobbyist robot, a wireless powersolution (e.g. battery, solar cell, inductive (contactless) powersource, rectification, etc.) may be appropriate. However, for buildingmanagement applications, battery backup/direct wall power may besuperior. In addition, in some implementations, the power system may beadaptable with respect to the training of the robotic apparatus 610.Thus, the robotic may improve its efficiency (to include powerconsumption efficiency) through learned management techniquesspecifically tailored to the tasks performed by the robotic apparatus.

One exemplary apparatus for processing of sensory information (e.g.,visual, audio, somatosensory) using spiking neural network comprisingfor example the heterosynaptic plasticity mechanism is shown in FIG. 10.The illustrated processing apparatus 1000 comprises an input interfaceconfigured to receive an input sensory signal 1020. In someimplementations, this sensory input comprises electromagnetic waves(e.g., visible light, IR, UV, etc.) entering an imaging sensor array(comprising RGCs, a charge coupled device (CCD), or an active-pixelsensor (APS)). The input signal in this case is a sequence of images(image frames) received from a CCD camera via a receiver apparatus, ordownloaded from a file. Alternatively, the image is a two-dimensionalmatrix of RGB values refreshed at a 24 Hz frame rate. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the above image parametersare merely exemplary, and many other image representations (e.g.,bitmap, CMYK, grayscale, etc.) and/or frame rates are equally usefulwith the architectures and principles disclosed herein.

The apparatus 1000 may comprise an encoder 1024 configured to transformthe input signal into an encoded signal 1026. In one implementation, theencoded signal comprises a plurality of pulses (also referred to as agroup of pulses) configured to model neuron behavior. The encoded signal1026 may be communicated from the encoder 1024 via multiple connections(also referred to as transmission channels, communication channels, orsynaptic connections) 1004 to one or more neuronal nodes (also referredto as the detectors) 1002.

In the implementation of FIG. 10, different detectors of the samehierarchical layer are denoted by an “_n” designator, such that e.g.,the designator 1002_1 denotes the first detector of the layer 1002.Although only two detectors (1002_1, 1002 _(—) n) are shown in theimplementation of FIG. 10 for clarity, it is appreciated that theencoder can be coupled to any number of detector nodes that iscompatible with the detection apparatus hardware and softwarelimitations. Furthermore, a single detector node may be coupled to anypractical number of encoders.

In one implementation, each of the detectors 1002_1, 1002 _(—) n containlogic (which may be implemented as a software code, hardware logic, or acombination of thereof) configured to recognize a predetermined patternof pulses in the encoded signal 1004, using for example any of themechanisms described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/869,573,filed Aug. 26, 2010 and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INVARIANTPULSE LATENCY CODING”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/869,583,filed Aug. 26, 2010, entitled “INVARIANT PULSE LATENCY CODING SYSTEMSAND METHODS”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,105, entitled“APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TEMPORALLY PROXIMATE OBJECT RECOGNITION”,filed Jun. 2, 2011, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/117,048, filedMay 26, 2011 and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POLYCHRONOUSENCODING AND MULTIPLEXING IN NEURONAL PROSTHETIC DEVICES”, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/152,084, filed Jun. 2, 2011, entitled “APPARATUSAND METHODS FOR PULSE-CODE INVARIANT OBJECT RECOGNITION”, eachincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, to producepost-synaptic detection signals transmitted over communication channels1008. In FIG. 10, the designators 1008_1, 1008 _(—) n denote output ofthe detectors 1002_1, 1002 _(—) n, respectively.

In one implementation, the detection signals are delivered to a nextlayer of the detectors 1012 (comprising detectors 1012_1, 1012 _(—) m,1012 _(—) k) for recognition of complex object features and objects,similar to the exemplary implementation described in commonly owned andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,084, filed Jun. 2,2011, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PULSE-CODE INVARIANT OBJECTRECOGNITION”, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In thisimplementation, each subsequent layer of detectors is configured toreceive signals from the previous detector layer, and to detect morecomplex features and objects (as compared to the features detected bythe preceding detector layer). For example, a bank of edge detectors isfollowed by a bank of bar detectors, followed by a bank of cornerdetectors and so on, thereby enabling, inter alia, alphabet recognitionby the apparatus.

Each of the detectors 1002 may output detection (post-synaptic) signalson communication channels 1008_1, 1008 _(—) n (with appropriate latency)that may propagate with different conduction delays to the detectors1012. The detector cascade of the implementation of FIG. 10 may containany practical number of detector nodes and detector banks determined,inter alia, by the software/hardware resources of the detectionapparatus and complexity of the objects being detected.

The sensory processing apparatus implementation illustrated in FIG. 10may further comprise lateral connections 1006. In some implementations,the connections 1006 are configured to communicate post-synapticactivity indications between neighboring neurons of the same hierarchylevel, as illustrated by the connection 1006_1 in FIG. 10. Theneighboring neuron may also comprise neurons having overlapping inputs(e.g., the inputs 1004_1, 1004 _(—) n in FIG. 10) so that the neuronsmay compete in order to not learn the same input features. In one ormore implementations, the neighboring neurons may comprise spatiallyproximate neurons such as being disposed within a certain volume/areafrom one another on a 3-dimensional (3D) and or two-dimensional (2D)space.

The apparatus 1000 may also comprise feedback connections 1014,configured to communicate context information from detectors within onehierarchy layer to previous layers, as illustrated by the feedbackconnections 1014_1 in FIG. 10. In some implementations, the feedbackconnection 1014_2 is configured to provide feedback to the encoder 1024thereby facilitating sensory input encoding, as described in detail incommonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/152,084, filed Jun. 2, 2011, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FORPULSE-CODE INVARIANT OBJECT RECOGNITION”, incorporated supra.

Computerized Neuromorphic System

One particular implementation of the computerized neuromorphicprocessing system, for operating a computerized spiking network (andimplementing the exemplary inverse STDP context connection adjustmentmethodology described supra), is illustrated in FIG. 11A. Thecomputerized system 1100 of FIG. 11A comprises an input interface 1110,such as for example an image sensor, a computerized spiking retina, anaudio array, a touch-sensitive input device, etc. The input interface1110 is coupled to the processing block (e.g., a single ormulti-processor block) via the input communication interface 1114. Thesystem 1100 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) 1108,configured to store neuronal states and connection parameters (e.g.,weights 526 in FIG. 5), and to facilitate synaptic updates. In someimplementations, synaptic updates are performed according to thedescription provided in, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/239,255 filed Sep. 21, 2011, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FORSYNAPTIC UPDATE IN A PULSE-CODED NETWORK”, incorporated by referencesupra.

In some implementations, the memory 1108 is coupled to the processor1102 via a direct connection (memory bus) 1116. The memory 1108 may alsobe coupled to the processor 1102 via a high-speed processor bus 1112).

The system 1100 may further comprise a nonvolatile storage device 1106,comprising, inter alia, computer readable instructions configured toimplement various aspects of spiking neuronal network operation (e.g.,sensory input encoding, connection plasticity, operation model ofneurons, etc.). in one or more implementations, the nonvolatile storage1106 may be used to store state information of the neurons andconnections when, for example, saving/loading network state snapshot, orimplementing context switching (e.g., saving current networkconfiguration (comprising, inter alia, connection weights and updaterules, neuronal states and learning rules, etc.) for later use andloading previously stored network configuration.

In some implementations, the computerized apparatus 1100 is coupled toone or more external processing/storage/input devices via an I/Ointerface 1120, such as a computer I/O bus (PCI-E), wired (e.g.,Ethernet) or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) network connection.

In some implementations, the input/output interface comprises a speechinput (e.g., a microphone) and a speech recognition module configured toreceive and recognize user commands.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the arts that variousprocessing devices may be used with computerized system 1100, includingbut not limited to, a single core/multicore CPU, DSP, FPGA, GPU, ASIC,combinations thereof, and/or other processors. Various user input/outputinterfaces are similarly applicable to implementations of the disclosureincluding, for example, an LCD/LED monitor, touch-screen input anddisplay device, speech input device, stylus, light pen, trackball, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, one implementation of neuromorphiccomputerized system configured to implement inverse STDP contextconnection adjustment in a spiking network is described in detail. Theneuromorphic processing system 1130 of FIG. 11B comprises a plurality ofprocessing blocks (micro-blocks) 1140 where each micro core comprises acomputing logic core 1132 and a memory block 1134. The logic core 1132is configured to implement various aspects of neuronal node operation,such as the node model, and synaptic update rules (e.g., the I-STDP)and/or other tasks relevant to network operation. The memory block isconfigured to store, inter alia, neuronal state variables and connectionparameters (e.g., weights, delays, I/O mapping) of connections 1138.

The micro-blocks 1140 are interconnected with one another usingconnections 1138 and routers 1136. As it is appreciated by those skilledin the arts, the connection layout in FIG. 11B is exemplary, and manyother connection implementations (e.g., one to all, all to all, etc.)are compatible with the disclosure.

The neuromorphic apparatus 1130 is configured to receive input (e.g.,visual input) via the interface 1142. In one or more implementations,applicable for example to interfacing with computerized spiking retina,or image array, the apparatus 1130 may provide feedback information viathe interface 1142 to facilitate encoding of the input signal.

The neuromorphic apparatus 1130 is also configured to provide output(e.g., an indication of recognized object or a feature, or a motorcommand, e.g., to zoom/pan the image array) via the interface 1144.

The apparatus 1130, in one or more implementations, may interface toexternal fast response memory (e.g., RAM) via high bandwidth memoryinterface 1148, thereby enabling storage of intermediate networkoperational parameters (e.g., spike timing, etc.). The apparatus 1130may also interface to external slower memory (e.g., Flash, or magnetic(hard drive)) via lower bandwidth memory interface 1146, in order tofacilitate program loading, operational mode changes, and retargeting,where network node and connection information for a current task issaved for future use and flushed, and previously stored networkconfiguration is loaded in its place.

FIG. 11C, illustrates one or more implementation of shared busneuromorphic computerized system comprising micro-blocks, described withrespect to FIG. 11B, supra. architecture coupled to a shared bus) 1140.The apparatus 1145 of FIG. 11C utilized one (or more) shared bus 1146 inorder to interconnect micro-blocks 1140 with one another.

FIG. 11D, illustrates one implementation of cell-based neuromorphiccomputerized system architecture configured to implement inverse STDPcontext connection adjustment in a spiking network is described indetail. The neuromorphic system 1150 of FIG. 11D comprises a hierarchyof processing blocks (cells block). In some implementations, the lowestlevel L1 cell 1152 of the apparatus 1150 may comprise logic and memoryand may be configured similar to the micro block 1140 of the apparatusshown in FIG. 11B. A number of cell blocks may be arranges in a clusterand communicate with one another a local interconnects 1162, 1164. Eachsuch cluster may form higher level cell, e.g., cell L2, denoted as 1154in FIG. 11 d. Similarly several L2 clusters may communicate with oneanother via a second level interconnect 1166 and form a super-clusterL3, denoted as 1156 in FIG. 11D. The super-clusters 1154 may communicatevia a third level interconnect 1168 and may form a next level cluster,and so on. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the arts that thehierarchical structure of the apparatus 1150, comprising fourcells-per-level, is merely one exemplary implementation, and otherimplementations may comprise more or fewer cells per level, and/or feweror more levels.

Different cell levels (e.g., L1, L2, L3) of the apparatus 1150 may beconfigured to perform functionality various levels of complexity. In oneimplementation, different L1 cells may process in parallel differentportions of the visual input (e.g., encode different framemacro-blocks), with the L2, L3 cells performing progressively higherlevel functionality (e.g., edge detection, object detection). DifferentL2, L3, cells may also perform different aspects of operating, forexample, a robot, with one or more L2/L3 cells processing visual datafrom a camera, and other L2/L3 cells operating motor control block forimplementing lens motion what tracking an object or performing lensstabilization functions.

The neuromorphic apparatus 1150 may receive input (e.g., visual input)via the interface 1160. In one or more implementations, applicable forexample to interfacing with computerized spiking retina, or image array,the apparatus 1150 may provide feedback information via the interface1160 to facilitate encoding of the input signal.

The neuromorphic apparatus 1150 may provide output (e.g., an indicationof recognized object or a feature, or a motor command, e.g., to zoom/panthe image array) via the interface 1170. In some implementations, theapparatus 1150 may perform all of the I/O functionality using single I/Oblock (not shown).

The apparatus 1150, in one or more implementations, may interface toexternal fast response memory (e.g., RAM) via high bandwidth memoryinterface (not shown), thereby enabling storage of intermediate networkoperational parameters (e.g., spike timing, etc.). In one or moreimplementations, the apparatus 1150 may also interface to externalslower memory (e.g., flash, or magnetic (hard drive)) via lowerbandwidth memory interface (not shown), in order to facilitate programloading, operational mode changes, and retargeting, where network nodeand connection information for a current task is saved for future useand flushed, and previously stored network configuration is loaded inits place.

Further, the neuromorphic apparatus 1150 need not necessarily bedisposed on the robotic device which it controls. A remote dataconnection may be used to issue machine coded commands to a mechanicaldevice from the neuromorphic apparatus in second location. Such aconfiguration may useful in situations in which a robotic device mustoperate in a high danger area and it is advantageous to expose theminimum amount of equipment to the danger. Further, such configurationsare also advantageous when numerous independent devices must be managedcentrally or coordinated in their actions (e.g. an adaptive sensorarray).

User Control System

Referring now to FIG. 12A, an exemplary user control system 1200 for thetraining apparatus is shown. A user interface device 1202 running atraining application 1204 establishes a data connection with thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 via a direct link (wireless orwireline) 1208. FIG. 12B shows a second exemplary system 1250 in whichthe direct link is replace with an intermediary network entity 1252. Theintermediary network entity may include an infrastructure element (e.g.a wireless router) or one or more network servers configured toestablish a link between the user devices and computerized neuromorphicapparatus.

User Interface Device

Referring now to FIG. 13, a functional block diagram of an exemplaryuser interface device 1202 is shown.

The user device 1202 includes a processor subsystem 1302 such as adigital signal processor, microprocessor, field-programmable gate array,or plurality of processing components mounted on one or more substrates.The processing subsystem may also include an internal cache memory. Theprocessing subsystem 1302 is connected to a memory subsystem 1304including memory which may for example, include SRAM, flash, hard drive,and SDRAM components. The memory subsystem may implement one or a moreof DMA type hardware, so as to facilitate data accesses as is well knownin the art. The processor is configured to, inter alia, executecomputer-readable instructions that are stored within the memorysubsystem. In one implementation, the user interface device comprises asmartphone running a training application (described in greater detailinfra) thereon. In another implementation, the user interface devicecomprises a personal computer or handheld (e.g., tablet) running thetraining application.

The illustrated memory subsystem 1304 includes an internal databaseconfigured to store and load a one or more training routines from e.g.,a local repository, and/or a larger remote database of trainingroutines. In one or more implementations, the memory subsystem isconfigured to facilitate transfer of sets of useful data (e.g., synapticweights) to the computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. The memorysubsystem includes a locally stored version of the training application1204. In some implementations, this locally stored version may include aclient of distributed application or browser type application designedto work in concert with a server application running on the intermediarynetwork entity 1252. In some implementations, the locally storedapplication includes an independent application able to run withoutserver assistance.

The network interface 1306 provides connectivity to one or more networksor external devices. In some implementations, the network interface isused in an ad hoc networking mode (e.g., via a Wi-Fi or other ad hocwireless interface) to provide a direct link to the computerizedneuromorphic apparatus. In some implementations, the user interfacedevice maintains a connection to a network server to support one or moresocial networking functions of the training application 1206. Inaddition, the network interface is configured to interface with thecloud applications and storage described herein. The network interfacemay include wireless and/or wired network interfaces.

The exemplary configuration of the user interface device 1202 includesone or more human interface devices (HIDs) 1308. The HIDs facilitatesuser input, allowing a user to guide the training of the computerizedneuromorphic apparatus 1150 and manage preferences for the variouscomponents of the training apparatus. In various implementations, theHID allows the user to select media and sets of synaptic weights foruploading and downloading via the social networking functions of thetraining application. A HID may include any number of well-known inputsystems, without limitation, a keypad, touch screen or “multi-touch”screen, and microphone.

The display 1310 of the user interface device 1202 is configured topresent the user with a number of software tools to implement thetraining and social networking functions of the training application.The display may produce for example video, audio, and/or haptic output.Further, the display is not limited to presenting materials to a user,but may also be used to guide the training of the computerizedneuromorphic apparatus 1150. The display may issue specific stimuli tothe robotic apparatus similar to the use a training whistle in animaltraining. The use of such stimuli may facilitate training in situationsin which spatial relations are important. For example, instructing therobotic apparatus 610 to come to the location of the user interfacedevice may be aided if the device emits a sound that the roboticapparatus is able to track. The stimuli may include without limitation aseries of colors, machine readable codes, tones, ultrasonic pulses,vibrations, temperature variations, etc.

Some implementations of the user interface device 1202 include dedicatedstimuli generating tools 1312 to aid in computerized neuromorphicapparatus 1150 training. These stimuli generating tools may include,inter alia, radiative beam emitters (e.g. visible, infrared, etc.),beacons, lighting arrays (e.g. light emitting diodes (LEDs)),heating/cooling elements (e.g. thermal electric coolers (TECs), etc.).These stimuli generating tools expand the capabilities beyond that ofthe standard display devices on the user interface device. With thesetools, a user has more options for communicating commands to thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. For example, beams may be usedto paint a target of interest during training or to trace a path to befollowed by the robotic device 610. Alternatively, a lighting array maybe used to associate areas with a specific attribute. For example, theuser may shine a red LED on area to be avoided by the robotic apparatus,and a blue LED on area the robotic apparatus is compelled to visit.Using temperature stimuli, a user may train the computerizedneuromorphic apparatus 1150 to send a signal if high temperatures aredetected. For example, with such stimuli aids, a user may train thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 to send an email or textmessage (provided the apparatus has network connectivity) if the roboticapparatus determines that user has left the oven on for too long aperiod. In some implementations, these stimuli generators are includedon a separate device from the other portions on the main user interface.In some implementations, the stimuli generators are added as anattachment to the user interface device.

In various implementations, the user interface device includes onboardexternal I/O ports 1314 (e.g. USB family, SATA, FireWire, Thunderbolt,etc.). The ports may be utilized to facilitate direct links to roboticapparatus 610. Wired or wireless links may be achieved using theseports. For example, wireless USB standards may be implemented.Alternatively, devices may achieve connectivity with propriety radio orinfrared links.

Training Application

The exemplary implementation of the training application 1204 isconfigured to run on the user interface device 1202. In variousimplementations, the training application running on the user interfacedevice includes a client portion of distributed application with otherportion running on network entities external to the user device. In someimplementations, the training application 1204 is configured to runindependently on the user interface device. Various softwarearchitectures useful with this functionality will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the software arts given the presentdisclosure, and hence are not described further herein.

The training application 1204 includes tools facilitating the managementand training of the computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. Within thetraining program, the user may provide the neuromorphic apparatus withfeedback and/or feed-forward input, consistent for example with themethods discussed above. The exemplary neuromorphic apparatus respondsto the input by increasing/decreasing synaptic weights (and/or adding orremoving synapses/neurons) related to the behavior being executed at thetime of input.

The application may also be configured to account for user delay ininput of feedback. Hence, in some implementations, the trainingapplication may apply the input to actions occurring at a moment that isa predetermined period (minutes, seconds, milliseconds, etc.) before theinput was offered. In some implementations, the effect of the input maybe applied to all the actions occurring in the moments before the input(various functions may be used e.g. increasing effect with increasingtemporal proximity to the input, full force to all, average, actionduration-weighted average, etc). The mode of applying input may beconfigured in the training application, such as via pull-down menus,icons, etc. Further, in some implementations, input may be potentiatedon a spectrum spanning anywhere from maximally negative to maximallypositive.

The tools are presented in the form of a user interface (UI). Console ortext-based user interfaces may be used in addition to or in place ofgraphical user interfaces (GUI) such as e.g., touch-screen inputs. Insome implementations, the UI includes a set of menus organized by topicor theme. Thus, the tools are ideally grouped in a fashion that isintuitive to users. In some implementations using GUIs, user may be ableto use software buttons (soft function keys) to execute commands and toenter input. In these implementations, buttons may be replaced with anyof various software input props (e.g. sliders, switches, knobs, dials,meters, etc.) to better match the nature of the input option.

The exemplary tools provided by the training application 1204 includedisplays of data from the computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. Fromthese displays, the user may view sensor data, status data, andneuromorphic data related to current behavior and behavior history. Thedata aids the user in training the computerized neuromorphic apparatus,and may also be used for instance to generate media content for sharing.The sensor data may include, inter alia, live or recorded video (e.g.from light, radiation, or ultrasonic sensors, etc.), graphicalrepresentations of physical metrics (e.g. temperature or force), oraudio. The status data is related to the current operation of the device(e.g. current movement speed, battery performance data, torque capacityutilized, etc.). The neuromorphic data aids the user in determiningwhich synaptic weights may need alteration to perfect the training. Thetraining application may also include an option for altering specificweights contributing to the behavioral routines of the computerizedneuromorphic apparatus.

Simple commands, programmed stimuli responses, mimicry, and randomizedactions may be included as basic tools to aid in training thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. Simple commands may includethose common in animal training (for example sit, fetch, go, stop). Forexample, to train a neuromorphic apparatus a user may map out a routineusing these commands. As the user maps out the desired actions usingthese commands, the user may reinforce the mapping with e.g., positiveand/or negative feedback. The programmed stimuli responses may include“canned” reactions to specific signals (e.g. series of colors, tones,laser pointer beam, etc.). In another example, the user may use thestimuli to guide the neuromorphic apparatus to the desired behavioralroutine, and again may reinforce it with feedback. The neuromorphicapparatus 1150 may also be instructed to mimic actions by another entity(e.g. apparatus or organism); for example, in that a human brain issubstantially optimized (via evolution) for rapid learning of certaintasks or functions such as e.g., organizing a closet or cleaning thegarage), the neuromorphic apparatus, by exactly mimicking the actions ofthe human when performing these tasks, may in effect “piggyback” off thehuman's rapid learning capabilities. Again, feedback reinforcement isused to ensure repetition of the proper routine.

Alternatively, the user may manually move the device containing theneuromorphic apparatus to demonstrate to the proper routine. Theneuromorphic apparatus the attempts to reconstruct the actionsdemonstrated. In some cases, users may opt to try to shape a desiredroutine from randomized actions by the computerized neuromorphicapparatus. As the neuromorphic apparatus performs randomized actions theuser responds with feedback.

The exemplary training application may be used to control the full rangeof actions performed by the computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. Insome cases, basic actions (e.g. wake/sleep routines, battery charging,etc.) may be altered or taught from a training regimen. Someimplementations allow these options to be manually from the trainingapplication.

The training application 1204 also includes options management of thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. Connectivity options for boththe neuromorphic apparatus and the user interface device 1202 may be setfrom the training application. Link options between the apparatus 1150and the device 1202 may also be configured. The training menu may beused to load active “brain images” (e.g., synaptic weight dataconfigurations or profiles) onto the neuromorphic apparatus. In somecases, a user may load a brain image onto the apparatus 1150 that isinsufficient to control all of the features of the robotic apparatus(e.g. no support for certain sensors). If these features are notcontrolled by other firmware/software on the robotic device, they may berendered inactive (or otherwise inoperable). In other implementations,the user is barred from loading such brains on the device, or limited tocertain sequences or rates of loading, so as to protect the device ormaintain a desired level of neuromorphic “stability”. In other cases, abrain image may be loaded on an apparatus 1150 associated with a roboticdevice 610 that lacks functionality used by the brain image. Inneurons/synapses associated with the unusable functionality may bepruned over time from lack of use. Again, in some implementations, theuser may be barred from loading such brain images.

In addition, tools for social interaction are also provided in theexemplary implementation of the training application. For example, thetraining application 1204 may be used to connect to a server repositoryof user shared brain images. The training application may be used withvarious other social interaction options discussed elsewhere herein.

Cloud

Various implementations of the present disclosure utilize a cloudarchitecture for the management of brain images. As individual users (orgroups of users) begin creating brain images through the trainingprocess, different tasks related to brain image management (e.g.storage, backup, sharing, purchasing, merging, etc.) are performed. Userexperience with respect to these tasks is at least partly dependent onthe ease with which they are performed, and the efficacy of the systemsprovided for their completion. Cloud-based architectures allow a user toprotect and share their work easily, because brain images areautomatically remotely stored and are easily retrieved from anylocation. The remote storage instantly creates a spatially diversebackup copy of a brain image. This decreases the chance of lost work. Invarious implementations, a brain image stored on a server is alsoavailable in any location in which a user has access to an internetconnection. As used herein, the term cloud architecture is used togenerally refer to any network server managed/involved system. This mayrefer to connecting to a single static server or to a collection ofservers (potentially interchangeable) with dynamic storage locations foruser content.

It will be appreciated that while the term “user” as discussed herein isprimarily contemplated to be a human being, it is also contemplated thatsuch users may include artificially intelligent or neuromorphicapparatus themselves. For instance, in one exemplary training paradigmof the disclosure, a human being trains a first neuromorphic apparatus(or group of apparatus), the latter which are then used to train other“untrained” neuromorphic apparatus, thereby in effect leveraging thetraining model so as to permit much more rapid and pervasive training oflarge numbers of neuromorphic apparatus such as e.g., robots (i.e., thetraining process then goes “viral”).

Referring now to FIG. 14, a functional block diagram of an exemplaryimplementation of a cloud-based training system 1400 according to thedisclosure is shown. A computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 useson-board or accessible network connectivity to connect to a cloud server606. An authenticated user connecting through a user interface device1202 connects to the cloud server, and identifies a brain image 1404 tobe loaded onto the computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150. Thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus downloads the selected brain image,and set its synaptic weights appropriately. In one or moreimplementations, the brain image 1404 may comprise the network weightsso that the download effectuates the weight configuration of thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus network. The user may accesspersonal content and/or public content (e.g. shared/purchasablecontent). Alternatively, the exemplary networking architectureillustrated in FIG. 12A may be used and the cloud server 606 connects tothe neuromorphic apparatus 1150 using the user interface device 1202 asa bridge.

For sharing applications, a user may designate brains to upload anddownload from the cloud server. To designate brains for download, theuser browses the brain image content of the cloud server via the userinterface device 1202 or via a browser application on another mobiledevice or computer. The then selects one or more brain images. The brainimages may be transmitted for local storage on the robotic device 610,user interface device, or computer. The images may then be loaded ontothe computerized neuromorphic device 1150. Alternatively, a designatedbrain may be transmitted for direct loading onto the neuromorphicdevice.

The brain images displayed in the browser may be filtered to aid inbrowsing and/or selection of the appropriate brain image. Text or othersearches may be used to locate brain images with certain attributes.These attributes may be identified for example via metadata (e.g.keywords, description, title, tags, user reviews/comments, trainedbehavior, popularity, or other metadata) associated with the brain imagefile. Further, in some implementations, brain images may be filtered forcompatibility with the user's hardware (e.g. neuromorphic apparatus1150, on board sensors, cameras, servos, microphones, or any otherdevice on the robotic apparatus). In various ones of theseimplementations, the cloud server connects to the neuromorphic apparatus(or otherwise accesses information about the apparatus, such as from anetwork server or cloud database, or other user device) to collecthardware and other data of utility in determining compatibility. In someimplementations, the user interface device 1202 collects and sends thisinformation. In other cases, the user inputs this information via thebrowser. Thus, the user (or administrator of the cloud server 606) maycontrol which brains images are displayed during browsing. Hardware (andsoftware) compatibility may be judged in a binary fashion (i.e. anyhardware mismatch is deemed incompatible), or may be listed on a scalebased on the severity of the mismatch. For example, a brain image withtraining only to identify red balls is not useful without a colorsensing capability. However, a brain image that controls legs but notsound sensors may still be of interest to a user of a device with legsand a sound sensor. The cloud process (or user interface device) mayalso be configured to assist the user in “fixing” the incompatibilities;e.g., links or other resources as to where a brain image that controlssound sensors in the foregoing example.

In some implementations, the cloud server may aid in the improvement of“brain” operation. In an exemplary implementation, the cloud serverreceives network operating performance information from a brain, anddetermines how to improve brain performance by adapting the brain'scurrent network image. This may be achieved via e.g., an optimizationdone in the cloud, or the cloud server may outline the optimizationoperation for local hardware, and provide it to the customer's owncomputer. In some implementations, the cloud server may optimizeperformance by providing a new image to the brain that has improvedperformance in similar situations. The cloud may act as a repository ofbrain images, and select which image(s) is/are appropriate for aparticular robot in a particular situation. Such optimization may beprovided as a paid service, or alternatively under one or more otherparadigms such as an incentive, on-demand model, or even under a bartersystem (e.g., in trade for another brain or optimization). In someimplementations, users pay a one-time fee to receive an optimized image.In various implementations, users may subscribe to an optimizationservice and receive periodic updates. In some implementations, asubscription user may be given an assurance that for any given task, thecloud server provides the most optimized image currentlyknown/available.

In various implementations, the performance metrics may be supplied byroutines running on the brain or related hardware. For example, a brainmay be trained to perform a specific action, and to determine itsspeed/efficiency in performing the action. These data may be sent to thecloud server for evaluation. In some implementations, an isolated set ofroutines (running on the same or separate hardware) monitors brainfunction. Such separated routines may be able to determine performanceeven in the case in which the brain itself is malfunctioning (ratherthan just having limited performance). Further, the user of the brainmay use search terms based on performance metrics to findcandidate/suggested brains meeting certain criteria. For example, theuser may wish to find a brain image capable of doing a specific tasktwice as fast/efficiently as a currently loaded image.

To this end, in the exemplary implementations, brain images may beuploaded/stored as full or partial images. Full images may be loaded onto a neuromorphic apparatus 1150 and run as a standalone control.Partial images may lack the full functions necessary to run certainfeatures of the robotic device 610. Thus, partial images may be used toaugment or upgrade (downgrade) a pre-loaded brain image or a storedbrain image. It will be appreciated that a full brain image for a firstdevice may serve as a partial brain image for second device with all ofthe functionality of the first plus additional features. In someimplementations, two or more partial brain images may be combined toform full brain images.

Brain merges using the methods discussed above may also be used forcombining brain images with conflicting or overlapping traits. Invarious implementations, these merges techniques may also be used toform full brain images from partial brain images.

User accounts are linked to registered computerized neuromorphicapparatus 1150 and a registered user (or users). During registration,the user provides personally identifiable information, and for access topurchasable content, financial account information may be required.Authentication and security for users may be achieved using a number oftools known to those of skill in the art. For example, secure socketlayer (SSL) or transport layer security (TLS) connections may be used toprotect personal data during transfer. Further, cryptographic hashes maybe used to protect data stored on the cloud servers. Such hashing mayfurther be used to protect purchasable or propriety brain images (orother content) from theft.

For shared and purchasable content the system validates brain images toensure that malicious, corrupted, or otherwise non-compliant images arenot passed between users via the cloud system. In one implementation, anapplication running on the cloud server extracts the synaptic weightvalues from the brain image, and creates a new file. Thus, corruptedcode in auxiliary portions of a brain image is lost. In someimplementations, various checksums are used to verify the integrity ofthe user uploaded images. Various implementations require thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 to have interne connectivityfor uploading. Thus, the cloud server 606 may create brain imagesdirectly from computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 for sharingpurposes. In such cases, the cloud server may require that thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 meet certain requirements forconnectivity (e.g. updated firmware, no third-party code or hardware,etc.).

The exemplary cloud server may also provide computational assistance toa brain to expand its size of the network a given brain may simulate.For example, if a brain is tasked with an operation it has failed tocomplete with its current computing resources or current brain image, itmay request assistance from the cloud server. In some implementations,the cloud server may suggest/initiate the assistance. In implementationsin which the cloud server monitors the performance of the brain (or isotherwise privy to performance metrics), the cloud server may identifythat the image necessary to perform a given task may be beyond thehardware limits of a given brain. Once the deficiency is delimited, thecloud server may provide a new image and the computational resourcesneeded to run the image. In some implementations, the cloud computingexpansion may be initiated by a request for improved performance ratherthan a deficiency that precludes operation. A cloud server operatorprovides the expanded computing functionality as paid service (examplesof paid services include: usage-based, subscriptions, one-time payments,or other payment models).

In various implementations, cloud computing power may be provided by adhoc distributed computing environments such as those based on theBerkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) platform.Myriad distributed implementations for brains may used, such as thosedescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/671,434,filed on Jul. 13, 2012, entitled “INTELLIGENT MODULAR ROBOTIC APPARATUSAND METHODS”, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,919 filedherewith on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “INTELLIGENT MODULAR ROBOTICAPPARATUS AND METHODS” previously incorporated herein in its entirety.

Social Interaction

The connectivity structure of the exemplary computerized neuromorphicapparatus 1150, the user interface device 1202, and the cloud server 606are designed to aid in fostering a social environment in which thecomputerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 are trained. Through options inthe training application, users may access content shared by otherusers. This content includes without limitation, media related to thetraining of the computerized neuromorphic apparatus 1150 (e.g. videos,pictures, collected sensor data, wiki entries on trainingtechniques/experiences, forum posts, etc.), brain images,third-party/homebrew modifications, etc. Users may also form user groupsto collaborate on projects or focus on specific topics, or even on thecollective formation of a brain image (somewhat akin to extantdistributed gaming interaction). In some implementations, user may alsocross-link to groups and content on third-party social media websites(e.g. Facebook®, Twitter®, etc.).

In some implementations, a storefront is provided as a user interface tothe cloud. From the storefront, users may access purchasable content(e.g. brain images, upgrades, alternate firmware packages). Purchasablecontent allows users to conveniently obtain quality content to enhancetheir user experience; the quality may be controlled under any number ofdifferent mechanisms, such as peer review, user rating systems,functionality testing before the image is uploadable or made accessible,etc. In some cases, users prefer different starting points in training.Some users generally prefer to begin with a clean slate, or to use onlytheir own brain images as starting points. However, other usersgenerally prefer not to have to redo training that has already been(properly or suitably) performed. Thus, these users appreciate havingeasy access to quality-controlled purchasable content.

The cloud may act as an intermediary that may link images with tasks,and users with images to facilitate exchange of brain images/trainingroutines. For example, a robot of a user may have difficulty performingcertain task. A developer may have an image well suited for the task,but he does not have access to individual robots/users. A cloud servicemay notify the user about the relevant images suited the task. In someimplementations, the users may request assistance with the task. Invarious implementations, the cloud server may be configured to identifyusers training brains for specific tasks (via one or more monitoringfunctions), and alert users that help may be available. The notificationmay be based on one or more parameters. Examples of parameters mayinclude the hardware/software configuration of the brain, functionalmodules installed on the robot, sensors available for use, kineticconfiguration (how the robot moves), geographical location (e.g.proximity of user to developer), keywords, or other parameters. Further,in the case of training routines, the developer may wish to developimages suitable for a variety of robot configurations. Thus, thedeveloper may be particularly interested in sharing a training routinein exchange for a copy of the user's brain image once the trainingroutine is complete. The developer then has an expanded library ofpre-trained image offerings to service future requests. In variousimplementations, one or more of the developer and first trainer for agiven hardware configuration may receive compensation for theircontributions.

Alternatively, a subscription model may be used. In variousimplementations, a user gains access to content based on a periodicpayment to the administrator of the networked service. A hybrid modelmay also be used. An initial/periodic subscription fee allows access togeneral material, but premium content requires a specific payment.

Other users that develop skill in training or those that develop popularbrain images may wish to monetize their creations. The exemplarystorefront implementation provides a platform for such enterprise.Operators of storefronts may desire to encourage such enterprise bothfor revenue generation and for enhanced user experience. Thus,consistent with the present disclosure, the storefront operator mayinstitute competitions with prizes for the most popular/optimized brainimages, modifications, and/or media. Consequently, users motivated tocreate higher quality content. Alternatively, the operator may also (inor in lieu of a contest) instate a system of revenue and/or profitsharing for purchasable content. Thus, hobbyists and casual developersmay see a reasonable return on their efforts. Such a system may alsoattract professional developers. Users as a whole may benefit from awider array of content offerings from more skilled developers. Further,such revenue or profit sharing may be complemented or replaced with asystem of internal credits for developers. Thus, contributors haveexpanded access to paid or otherwise limited distribution materials.

In various implementations, the cloud model may offer access tocompeting provider systems of brain images. A user may be able toreprogram/reconfigure the software elements of the system to connect todifferent management systems. Thus, competing image provision systemsmay spur innovation. For example, image provision systems may offerusers more comprehensive packages ensuring access to brain imagesoptimized for a wide variety of tasks to attract users to theirparticular provision network, and (potentially) expand their revenuebase.

Exemplary Training Application

One exemplary implementation of the present disclosure pertains to asynaptic weight training program running on a touch-screen devicecapable of wireless communications.

In this exemplary implementation, a user is able to use an applicationrunning on a touch-screen device to control and program a robotic devicewhose behavior is dictated by a brain image. The training application,despite being operative to program the behavior of a robotic device,uses a training paradigm rather than relying only on traditionalcomputer programming systems or environments. Simple commands andfeedback are used within this training paradigm. Anything learned by therobotic device without being programmed expressly by a user qualifies astraining.

Similar to training a domesticated animal, the training program allows auser to observer the behavior of the robotic device being trained, andissue intuitive commands (e.g., fetch, sit (or “be still”), run, attack,find, etc.), and use an equally intuitive positive/negative feedbacksystem (e.g. ‘click’ (similar to petting), reward, or lure (show a prizeprior to a desired action), etc.). The training acts on the brain imageof the robotic device. In this implementation, the brain image is loadedonto a “brain stem” (bSTEM) that controls the robotic device. The bSTEMof this implementation is the hardware component on which the brainimage is executed.

In an exemplary implementation, the brain image serves as a spatialmapping (in a simulated space) of the neurons and synapses of anartificial neural network. The brain image is expressed as a sparsematrix (allows for empty space, growth, and connectivity mapping). Otherapproaches may be used consistent with the disclosure as well.

The activity states of this network correspond to all of the activitiesof the robotic device. For example, if the robotic device is exposed tostimuli, the raw data received from the sensors detecting the stimuligenerates a specific activity state based on the stimuli. The activitystate varies with all aspects of the stimuli. For example, for a roboticdevice with color sensing capabilities, exposure to a red ball activatesa given activity state. Subsequently, first exposure to a green ballactivates a related response; however, neurons related to new events areactive and neurons related to the green sensor are active. The activitystates also guide the actions of the robotic device. Further, activitystates bridge actions and stimuli. For example, the robotic device isable to pick up red balls and not green balls because red color sensordata excites an activity state that maps red stimuli to the actuation ofan arm, while green color sensor data does not.

The brain image is modified by training. Thus, the robotic learningprocess is achieved by adding or removing neurons, and/or generating newlinks between neurons. Rules for growth and pruning of these pathwaysand neurons may also be applied. For example, if a given neuron isactive in less than a given percentage of states in which neighboringneurons are active, then it is pruned. Alternatively, if a group ofneurons are often active together a link may form among them. In thisimplementation, the rules are enforced by the bSTEM. Further, theweights of various modeled synapses may be altered through the trainingprocess. Thus, the influence of a neuron on the activity state (andother neurons participating in the activity state) may be altered. Thesealterations change the set of allowed activity states, and thus, thebehavior (responses and actions) of the robotic device changes.

Further the training application provides the user with statusinformation on the robotic device. Thus, the user is able to monitor therobotic device's training progress and other metrics (e.g. battery life,connectivity status, etc.).

The exemplary application is divided into submenus dedicated todifference portions of the device control, programming, and status:Instinct, Training, Command, Hygiene, and Socialize, now each describedin greater detail.

Instinct Submenu

Referring now to FIG. 15, an exemplary illustration of the Instinctsubmenu 1500 is shown. The Instinct submenu houses tools for teaching arobotic device basic functions 1502 for maintaining its operationalstatus. These functions include simple processes (e.g. wake, sleep, orcharge commands, etc.). The menu also may provide data on the status1504 (battery information, health, scores, state information) of therobotic device to aid the user in basic function training.

Through this menu, a robotic device may also be taught to conductunsupervised practice of activities learned through supervised training.In some cases, a device may learn more efficient equivalents of a givenactivity, for example, picking up a ball. The robotic device developsmultiple routines for picking up the ball (e.g. bend waist, then bendlegs, then extend arm, etc.), and the robotic device notes the powerconsumed by each routine (the routines may need to be repeated multipletimes to obtain an accurate average power consumed). Then, the devicemay experiment with the multiple routines during supervised practice. Ifno particular routine is favored, the device may select the mostefficient routine. In some implementations, users may provide a scoremetric indications (preferences) for unsupervised and/or reinforcementlearning. For example, if a user always positively reinforces thefastest of any set of routines, the robotic device may eventually aimits exploration at learning and developing faster routines, and mayfavor the fastest solutions routines in the absence of reinforcementsignals. In some implementations, the score metrics may comprise one ormore of device response time (latency), consumed energy, network size(number of neurons and/or synapses), learning time (number ofiterations), etc.

Using these commands, a user may train their robotic device to begin andcease activity at certain time, or under specific conditions. Forexample a user may train their robotic device to wake at the beginningof every hour, and then sleep after five minutes if no interveningcommands are received. Alternatively, the robotic device may waketrained to wake in response to certain stimulus and sleep when theappropriate learned response to the stimulus is complete. In anotherexample, the robotic device may be trained to return to its chargingstation upon detection of a low battery. These examples are merelyillustrative of the varied potential training that may be effected viathe tools available in the Instinct submenu.

Training Submenu

The Training submenu includes tools for general training of the roboticdevice. Tools for applying positive and negative feedback to thebehavior of the robotic device are included in this submenu. Referringto now to FIG. 16, an illustration of the Training submenu 1600consistent with the present disclosure is shown. From this submenu, auser may give the robotic device a ‘reward’ 1602 or interact by‘clicking’ 1604 (respectively analogous to giving a dog a treat andpetting it). A user may also apply negative feedback using commandsanalogous to a punishment. A simple overall training process isadvantageously used, thereby providing significant benefits of thecode-based techniques of the prior art discussed supra. The user maycreate a new routine, or continue training a previous routine. The userthen applies simple pre-programmed routines (fetch, follow, sit, run,stop, etc.) to initiate activity in the robotic device. This behavior isthis adjusted using the positive and negative feedback. In other cases,the device may offer a selection of routines developed duringunsupervised practice for review by the user. Alternatively, the roboticdevice operates in a mode with substantially randomized actions, andfeedback may be applied to carve the desired behavior out of the randomactions.

A ‘lure’ command 1606 may also be included in this submenu. This commandmay be used lead a robotic device along a path or to a specificdestination. The lure command may also be used to demonstrate aparticular behavior that is undesirable. Specifically, the user may leadthe robotic device in a series of actions with the promise of a reward.However, when the actions are completed, negative feedback is given.Thus, the robotic device learns exactly what action is not desired. Thisprevents the user from having to wait until an undesired action actuallyoccurs through normal operation to negatively reinforce it.

A set of ‘whistles’ 1608 is also included in this submenu. Thesewhistles are sensory instructions for the robotic device. Naturally,these stimuli have a limited range of operation, and thus, are forsituations in which the user of the training application is spatiallyproximate to the robotic device. These sensory instructions may be usedto guide the robotic device to aid in the training process. For example,a specific series of colors flashed on the screen of the user deviceinstructs the robotic device to move toward the device (similarly, aseries of sounds/tones may be used; in some cases, sounds outside normalhuman perception are used to avoid disturbing people or to obfuscate thefact that a signal was sent).

Command Submenu

Referring now to FIG. 17, an exemplary illustration of the Commandsubmenu 1700 is shown. The Command submenu enables a user to experimentwith the routines that have been developed using the Training submenu.From this menu, the user may run routines and offer rewards or negativefeedback similar to the Training submenu. However, in this menu theindividual routines are not altered. Rather, the balance of thedifferent routines against each other is altered. Thus, a user may makethe robotic device more prone to execute a certain training routinerelative to another. For example, a user may train their robotic deviceto bark and to roll over. However, the user may want the robotic deviceto bark more than it rolls over. Thus, in this menu, the user may reward1602 the robotic device when it barks, and punish the robotic devicewhen it rolls over. In this menu, the robotic device does not alter theway it barks or rolls over regardless of the rewards or punishmentreceived; rather, it alters the frequency with which the commands areperformed.

Rewards and punishments have been discussed in terms of binaryoperations for the Training and Command submenus; however, proportionaterewards or punishments may be used also. Rather than supplying a buttonfor a reward a slider, dial, or knob may be used to properly size areward on a continuum (or discrete set of levels) from none to amaximum. Alternatively, a full spectrum from maximum punishment tomaximum reward may be used.

The Command submenu also allows the user to issue instructions to therobotic device while receiving live information back from the roboticdevice. This mode of operation may be used to monitor the output of asensor (group or array of sensors) mounted on the robotic device. Theuser may remotely view the output from a display 1704 (or displayoption) in the submenu.

The live information may alternatively display the synaptic functions ofthe robotic device. While an action is being performed by the roboticdevice, the neurons that are speaking are displayed on the live feed1704. Thus, the user is visually presented with information on how eachof the weights affects actions being executed by the robotic device. Inthis submenu, the synaptic weights may be grouped by the systems theyaffect. For example, if a particular weight is involved in leg movement,it may be grouped with other weights affecting leg movement. In someimplementations, the user is able to perform ‘brain surgery’ on theseweights, by manually increasing or decreasing weights (or adding andremoving links/neurons) related to certain actions.

Hygiene Submenu

The Hygiene submenu, shown as item 1800 of FIG. 18, is related to devicemaintenance, configuration options, and status of the hardware of therobotic device. From this submenu, a user may inter alia manage theconnectivity settings for the training application and the roboticdevice. For example, the connection may be based on a Bluetooth® orother PAN wireless link. In such cases, the Hygiene menu is used by theuser to achieve paring with the robotic device. Other links such asWi-Fi, USB, etc. may be used and managed from the Hygiene menu. In someimplementations, a direct connection is not used. Rather, the roboticdevice is operatively connected to the touch-screen device via theInternet through a remote management server. All of the aboveconnections may be configured and managed through the Hygiene submenu.

Users of multiple robotic devices may switch active control 1802 betweenvarious robotic devices using the options in the Hygiene menu. The maybe achieved through switching the abovementioned direct connectionsamong nearby robotic devices. Alternatively, using more remoteconnectivity schemes the user may switch through all robotic devicesregistered to that user.

The Hygiene submenu is also used to manage the brain image 1804 loadedon to the robotic device. The robotic device may have its brain imagereplaced or rewritten by the user at various times. Thus, it isimportant that the user be able to manage which brain image is activelyloaded on to the robotic device. The user may select new brain imagesfrom various repositories, personal archives, backups, or via sharingparadigms (including merged brain images).

As mentioned above, the user may use backups of brain images to protecttraining progress against accidental loss or against failed trainingexperiments (e.g. those with undesired results). The user may simplyrevert to previously saved brain images. These previous versions may bemaintained locally or stored on a cloud server (as provider or thirdparty service). Furthermore, these brain image backups may be scheduledto automatically occur periodically. Alternatively, the robotic devicemay be trained to automatically backup its own brain image through theinstinct training discussed above.

Socialize Submenu

Referring now to FIG. 19, an exemplary illustration of the Socializesubmenu 1900 is shown. The Socialize submenu is geared toward allowingusers to share and collaborate in their robotic device trainingprojects. The menu includes options for sharing brain images,integrating brain images, purchasing brain images, joining social mediagroups (e.g. chatrooms, forums, websites, Facebook® groups, etc.), andsharing media related to training or operation of robotic devices. Thus,the Socialize submenu includes options for supporting casual users,homebrew communities, and entrepreneurs.

Users may post brain images for sharing with other users. In oneexemplary configuration, the sharing is managed by a centralized serverthat maintains copies of user-developed brain images posted for sharingwith other users. The brain images are tagged by the users and creatorsto denote the attributes of the brain image (e.g. requiredsensors/servos, behavioral traits, training techniques used, etc.).These posted brain images may include full or partial brain images. Fullbrain images may be used as a standalone image to be loaded on a bSTEM.Partial brain images are similar to upgrades to augment or expand thefunctionality of an existing brain. Users may designate a portion of anexisting full brain image to be uploaded as a partial image. In oneimplementation, the Training Application uploads information on therobotic device such as available processing power (e.g. specification ofthe bSTEM), onboard motors, and sensors (or any other apparatus disposedon the robotic device). The user may then filter the posted brain imagesfor those compatible with the hardware on robotic device.

This repository may also include brain images developed by professionalhardware or software developers. To support these business interests,some brain images may have a fee (one-time fee, subscription, etc.)attached to their download and/or use.

The user may implement a downloaded brain image in different ways. TheTraining Application may be configured to automatically backup the brainimage initially present on the bSTEM to be backed up through thecreation of a new brain image. Thus, a user may revert to a previousbrain for any reason. After backup, the old brain image may be entirelyreplaced with the new full brain image. The user may also augment theold brain image with new functionality from a partial new brain.Alternatively, the user may select multiple ones from different newfunctionalities of partial brain images to create a custom hybrid brain.Users may also merge brain full images from the options available in theSocialize menu. The merging of brain images involves the combination ofone brain image with another brain image. The merge process is may beguided by any of the methods discussed above. Further, two or moresuccessive merges of the same or different types may be used to createnew brain images (e.g. the same “father” may be used in two successivemerges once with the “mother” and then again with the offspring). Insome cases, a full brain image that is incompatible with a given roboticdevice is made compatible through one or more brain merges and/oraugmentations.

The Socialize menu also includes tools for sharing media and interactingon social media sites. From these portals users may promote discuss andshare media related to their experiences when training and interactingwith robotic devices. These experiences collectively form a communityknowledge allowing user to draw upon the findings of others. Suchinteraction is important to both business and hobbyist usage of thetraining application.

Exemplary Uses and Applications of Certain Aspects of the Disclosure

Various aspects of the disclosure may advantageously be applied to,inter alia, the design and operation of large spiking neural networksconfigured to process streams of input stimuli, in order to aid indetection and functional binding related aspect of the input.

The exemplary heterosynaptic mechanisms described herein introduce,inter alia, competition among neighboring neurons by, for example,modifying post-synaptic responses of the neurons so that to reducenumber of neurons that respond (i.e., develop receptive fields) to thesame feature within the input. The approach of the disclosureadvantageously increases receptive field diversity, maximizes featurecoverage, and improves feature detection capabilities of the network,thereby reducing the number of neurons that are required to recognize aparticular feature set. The increased feature coverage capability may betraded for (i) a less complex, less costly and more robust networkcapable of processing the same feature set with fewer neurons; and/or(ii) more capable higher performance network capable of processinglarger and more complex feature set with the same number of neurons,when compared to the prior art solutions. While such heterosynapticplasticity mechanisms are especially useful with the enhanced trainingand learning approaches described herein (e.g., by enabling more rapidlearning of new features or behaviors in response to inputs), it will beappreciated that the various aspects of the disclosure are in no waylimited to such heterosynaptic approaches.

It is appreciated by those skilled in the arts that above implementationare exemplary, and the framework of the disclosure is equally compatibleand applicable to processing of other information. For example,information classification using a database, where the detection of aparticular pattern can be identified as a discrete signal similar to aspike, and where coincident detection of other patterns influencesdetection of a particular one pattern based on a history of previousdetections in a way similar to an operation of exemplary spiking neuralnetwork may be processed using the framework of the disclosure.

Advantageously, exemplary implementations of the present innovation areuseful in a variety of devices including without limitation prostheticdevices, autonomous and robotic apparatus, and other electromechanicaldevices requiring sensory processing functionality. Examples of suchrobotic devises are manufacturing robots (e.g., automotive), military,medical (e.g. processing of microscopy, x-ray, ultrasonography,tomography). Examples of autonomous vehicles include rovers, unmannedair vehicles, underwater vehicles, smart appliances (e.g. ROOMBA®), etc.

Implementations of the principles of the disclosure are applicable tovideo data compression and processing in a wide variety of stationaryand portable devices, such as, for example, smart phones, portablecommunication devices, notebook, netbook and tablet computers,surveillance camera systems, and practically any other computerizeddevice configured to process vision data.

Implementations of the principles of the disclosure are furtherapplicable to a wide assortment of applications including computer humaninteraction (e.g., recognition of gestures, voice, posture, face, etc.),controlling processes (e.g., an industrial robot, autonomous and othervehicles), augmented reality applications, organization of information(e.g., for indexing databases of images and image sequences), accesscontrol (e.g., opening a door based on a gesture, opening an access waybased on detection of an authorized person), detecting events (e.g., forvisual surveillance or people or animal counting, tracking), data input,financial transactions (payment processing based on recognition of aperson or a special payment symbol) and many others.

The techniques and architectures of the disclosure may be used toachieve adaptive automated building management. Control of lighting,safety and heating/cooling may be improved by adaptive systems such asthose discussed herein. In changing climates and in cases of unexpectedemergencies an adaptive system provides more tailored assistance. Forexample, rather than automatically locking all doors heading inward in abuilding during a fire emergency, an adaptive system may be trained toensure all persons still inside the still have a safe route out and thatlocking the doors in this manner does not impede their escape.

Implementations of the principles of the disclosure are furtherapplicable to training coordinated operations of automated devices. Forexample, in applications such as unexploded ordinance/improvisedexplosive device location and removal, a coordinated search patternbetween multiple autonomous learning devices leads to more efficientarea coverage. Further, learning devices offer the flexibility to handlewider (and dynamic) variety of explosive device encounters.Alternatively such learning devices are also easily trained to identifytargets (e.g. enemy vehicles) and deliver similar explosives.

Advantageously, the various methods and apparatus of the disclosure canbe used to simplify tasks related to motion estimation, such as where animage sequence is processed to produce an estimate of the objectposition (and hence velocity), either at each point in the image or inthe 3D scene, or even of the camera that produces the images. Examplesof such tasks are: ego motion, i.e., determining the three-dimensionalrigid motion (rotation and translation) of the camera from an imagesequence produced by the camera; following the movements of a set ofinterest points or objects (e.g., vehicles or humans) in the imagesequence and with respect to the image plane.

In another approach, portions of the object recognition system areembodied in a remote server, comprising a computer readable apparatusstoring computer executable instructions configured to perform patternrecognition in data streams for various applications, such asscientific, geophysical exploration, surveillance, navigation, datamining (e.g., content-based image retrieval). Myriad other applicationsexist that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill given thepresent disclosure.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed implementations, or the order of performanceof two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the architectures and principles disclosed andclaimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to variousimplementations, it will be understood that various omissions,substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device orprocess illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the disclosure. The foregoing description is of the bestmode presently contemplated of carrying out the principles andarchitectures disclosed herein. This description is in no way meant tobe limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the generalprinciples of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should bedetermined with reference to the claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of behavioral programming in an artificial neural network, the method comprising: generating a data link to at least one device configured to run the artificial neural network; receiving one or more data elements indicating a current status associated with the artificial neural network; causing display of information related to at least a portion of the one or more data elements; receiving user input from a user interface; generating one or more feedback elements based at least in part on the user input; and transmitting the one or more feedback elements to the artificial neural network via the data link.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one device configured to run the artificial neural network comprises a robot comprising one or more functional modules.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more functional modules comprise at least one sensory device.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein: the artificial neural network is configured to generate one or more discrete output signals in response to input from the at least one sensory device; and the discrete output signals cause an action at least one of the one or more functional modules.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein: the displayed information comprises an one or more visual representations of the input from the sensor; and at least one indicator configured to indicate one or more neurons involved in the generation of the one or more discrete output signals.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the display and the user interface are disposed on a mobile wireless-enabled device.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the generated data link is effected via at least a personal area network.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the generated data link comprises a data session over at least a Wi-Fi compliant connection.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more feedback elements comprise negative feedback designed to suppress an output generated by one or more neurons of the artificial neural network.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more feedback elements comprise positive feedback to potentiate one or more neurons of the artificial neural network.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising downloading an image of the artificial neural network to the at least one device from a cloud-based server.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising causing recommendation of the image via at least one application running on the cloud-based server, the recommendation being based at least in part on a task designated by the user.
 13. A non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store at least one computer program thereon, the computer program comprising a plurality of instructions configured to when executed: establish a data connection to a synaptic device; receive status information from the synaptic device; issue a command to the synaptic device, the synaptic device executing an action based at least in part on the command; receive feedback input from a user; and forward the feedback input to the synaptic device via the data connection; wherein the act of forwarding feedback input causes the synaptic device to alter a behavioral trait.
 14. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions are further configured to, when executed, present the user with one or more menus from which to select the feedback input.
 15. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions are further configured to, when executed, display one or more of audio and visual representations of the status information.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the alteration of the behavioral trait comprises an adjustment of a configuration of an artificial neural network disposed at least in part on the synaptic device.
 17. A training device configured to manage activity in at least one spiking neural network, the training device comprising: at least one network interface configured to: establish an operative link to the spiking neural network; receive one or more activity indicators associated with the at least one spiking neural network; and transmit feedback input to the at least one spiking neural network; a user interface configured to: based at least in part on the one or more activity indicators, display one or more human perceptible signals; and provide a user with at least one menu from which to select training options; and logic in operative communication with the user interface and network interface, the logic configured to process a selected training option to generate the feedback input.
 18. The training device of claim 17, wherein the training device comprises a mobile wireless device coupled to the at least one spiking neural network via the network interface.
 19. The training device of claim 18, wherein the operative link comprises one or more of a wireless local area network (WLAN) link and a personal area network (PAN) link.
 20. The training device of claim 17, wherein the device is further configured to obtain an image of the at least one spiking neural network.
 21. The training device of claim 17, wherein the feedback input alters one or more states of a plurality of neurons in the at least one spiking neural network.
 22. A method of managing activity within a spiking neural network, the method comprising: establishing a data link to a user interface device; sending one or more status updates related to a plurality of activity states neurons in the spiking neural network; receiving, via the link, one or more feedback indicators, the one or more feedback indicators based at least on part on a selected training option from the user interface device; and based on at least one rule, associating the feedback with a subset of the neurons in the spiking neural network.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein associating the feedback comprises potentiating the subset of neurons.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein associating the feedback comprises depressing the subset of neurons.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein spiking neural network is at least partially disposed on a computerized neuromorphic apparatus in operative communication with the user interface device.
 26. A computerized neuromorphic apparatus comprising: one or more functional modules; a network interface configured to establish a link to a training device; and logic configured to: send, to the training device, status indicators related to a neural network disposed at least in part on the computerized neuromorphic apparatus; receive feedback based on a selected one or more of a plurality of available management options; and alter a state of one or more of a neuron and a connection in accordance with the feedback and at least one timing rule.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein: a magnitude and a direction of the alteration are based on at least the feedback; and a target of the alteration is selected based on the at least one timing rule.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein: the status indicators comprises an identified action and an identifier for one or more contributory neurons; and the plurality of available management options comprise a positive feedback option and a negative feedback option. 